Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common condition among all other gastrointestinal diseases. GERD manifests itself through numerous invasions of stomach or duodenal contents into the esophagus. This disease is considered chronic, presenting exacerbated episodes that can recur regularly. These refluxes can affect the mucous membrane of the esophagus, with acidic content that can irritate and deform the lower parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
Causes
Gastroesophageal reflux disease can arise due to a number of reasons. In most cases, the onset of this disease is due to a deterioration of the body's protective functions, weakening of the protective barriers between the stomach and intestines.
Among the most common factors contributing to reflux disease are:
- Conditions accompanied by increased acidity of stomach contents;
- Weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter functions;
- Gastroesophageal reflux;
- Disruptions in gastric motility;
- Narrowing of the esophageal walls;
- High pressure in the abdominal cavity, also in the case of pregnancy.
Diagnosis of GERD in Israel
The manifestations of GERD in a patient can be very diverse, depending on the severity of the disease and the individual physiological characteristics of the person. It is important to note that the signs of gastroesophageal reflux disease sometimes closely resemble symptoms of upper respiratory tract diseases.
Medical practice identifies the following signs of GERD:
- Chest heaviness, difficulty swallowing;
- Heartburn (after eating, when bending, lying down);
- Sore throat and larynx;
- Nausea, belching, possible vomiting;
- Cough, wheezing, pneumonia.
The diagnosis of GERD involves not only identifying affected areas and the localization of the disease but also determining and analyzing the characteristics and nature of the development of reflux disease. At Ichilov Clinic, patients are provided with the latest developments from gastroenterologists and advanced examination methods.
Among the main diagnostic procedures are:
- Endoscopy (inflammation, pathologies, erosions in the esophagus);
- 24-hour pH monitoring (allows studying the duration of acid reflux into the esophagus);
- Esophageal manometry (tone of the lower esophageal sphincters);
- X-ray examination of the esophagus (detects wounds, cracks, ulcers in the lining, can be performed with contrast material);
- Scintigraphy (assesses the functionality of the esophagus);
- Esophageal impedance measurement (studies the peristaltic characteristics of the esophagus).
Treatment of GERD in Israel
Treating gastroesophageal reflux disease is a labor-intensive process that requires significant effort and a comprehensive approach. At Ichilov Clinic, there are professionally developed treatment methodologies to address this issue, but the list of medical interventions and procedures is tailored to each patient's individual characteristics, with each clinical case being thoroughly studied. Mild forms of GERD are usually resolved with the help of acid blockers or medications to strengthen the esophageal sphincter. In more advanced cases, surgical operations are used.
At Ichilov Clinic, specialists perform the following types of surgical interventions:
- Laparoscopic fundoplication (restoration of sphincter functionality);
- Esophageal dilation and stent placement;
- Surgery to create a natural barrier from the gastric mucosa;
- Surgical reinforcement of the sphincter (this method prevents the movement of gastric acids);
- Surgery to place magnetic titanium beads (using magnetic energy to pull the walls between the esophagus and stomach together).